R.Kelly’s Music Removed From Spotify

R.Kelly’s music is being removed from Spotify’s playlists. Beginning today (May 10th), users of the music streaming service will no longer be able to find the singer’s music on any of the streaming service’s editorial or algorithmic playlists. Under the terms of a new public hate content and hateful conduct policy Spotify is putting into effect, the company will no longer promote his music, removing his songs from flagship playlists like RapCaviar, Discover Weekly or New Music Friday, for example, as well as its other genre- or mood-based playlists. Spotify says in a statement,

We are removing R. Kelly’s music from all Spotify owned and operated playlists and algorithmic recommendations such as Discover Weekly. His music will still be available on the service, but Spotify will not actively promote it. We don’t censor content because of an artist’s or creator’s behavior, but we want our editorial decisions — what we choose to program — to reflect our values. When an artist or creator does something that is especially harmful or hateful, it may affect the ways we work with or support that artist or creator.

There decision to remove his music comes amidst allegations that he is running a ‘sex cult’ and accusations of sexual violence by multiple women. A #MuteRKelly movement began last month. Kelly has denied these allegations, defending himself, saying those accusing him are,